17 Creative and Cute Backyard Decor Ideas

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Last updated: May 27, 2022

Decorating the backyard is like adding that very important finishing touch with simple yet effective ideas, without having to spend top dollar for a professional designer.

The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating your backyard, with an endless amount of garden decor products and DIY options to consider.

In this article, I am going to share with you 17 creative and cute backyard decor ideas that will help transform your outdoor space into a cozy and stylish place to be.

In no particular order, here are 17 simple yet creative decor ideas for your very own backyard.

1. Garden Trellis

While a garden trellis serves many different functions, it can also act as a simple decoration item in your backyard.

A trellis can come in various shapes and sizes, from small plant and flower holders to large structures that can cover an entire wall.

There are plenty of options available to you when visiting your local garden store, but you can also make one yourself with spare wood.

The other option is to convert an unused household item into a trellis, such as a ladder or even an old bed frame.

2. Decorative Bird Feeder

In my humble opinion, every backyard needs a bird feeder, not only to help our bird friends out during the colder winter months but also because it can work as a decoration item.

There are various types of bird feeders available, and which one you choose is partly dependent on what types of birds frequent your backyard.

Choose between clear window feeders, peanut feeders, suet feeders, tube feeders, and hopper feeders, just to name a few. Pick one that is both functional and nice-looking, and monitor how the birds respond.

Check out our guide explaining the different types of bird feeders including pros and cons of each.

3. Tree Stump Decor

If you have an old tree stump in your yard, or otherwise a dying tree that needs to be removed, note that a tree stump can serve well as a backyard decor item.

Preserving a tree stump is not a super difficult process, and it leaves you with something that can be used as a piece of furniture, a planter, a bird feeder, and so much more.

Check out our list of things to do with an old tree stump for more ideas.

4. Garden Gnome

This one is a bit of a cliche, but a garden gnome is a classic decor idea that still works really well.

There are lots of different versions and designs of garden gnomes available now as well, including ones with a somewhat humorous element to them.

Check out our list of garden gnome ideas for a great selection of different types of gnomes to place in the garden or backyard.

5. Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug can add a bit of warmth and color to a backyard patio, dining area, or deck garden.

Outdoor rugs come in various designs, and they not only elevate the look of your outdoor space, but they are also functional and versatile.

6. Decor Tire Planter

Old tires that are well past their due date are fantastic as backyard decor items in many different ways.

One of my favorite ways to re-use an old tire is by using them as a planter, either flat on the ground or as a vertical garden against the wall.

To make them even more decorative, paint them in a nice bright color. And if you have a small selection of old tires, use different colors for each.

7. Garden Heron Statues

A pair of heron statues make for a wonderful decoration piece, even more so if you have a small pond in your backyard.

These particular two heron statues are made of metal with a hand-painted patina finish, they stand at almost 50 inches tall, and are very easy to assemble.

8. Backyard Playhouse

A backyard playhouse is a great way to get your kids away from the screens and out into the fresh air.

But not only that, a well-designed and colorful playhouse can also serve as a decoration piece in your outdoor space.

Check out our list of recommended outdoor playhouses for toddlers and kids for some great options.

9. Outdoor Egg Chair

Also referred to as teardrop chairs or pod chairs, egg chairs are designed for comfort, perfect to spend a lazy afternoon in the backyard.

And because of their rather unique shape, an egg chair is often also an eye-catching furniture item that adds value to the overall design of your outdoor patio.

Check out our list of recommended outdoor hanging egg chairs for some great options.

10. Decorative Fence

Fencing doesn’t need to be functional at all, it can also be used to decorate a backyard or garden.

A fence can exist around the backyard as a whole, but it can also be installed within the backyard to create dedicated sections for a playground area, a garden bed, or a seating area.

Personally, I love wooden fencing, but there are also a lot of decorative modern fencing options available.

11. Decor Water Fountain

Not only is a small water fountain in the backyard an amazing decor idea, but it’s also the sound of running water that creates a nice outdoorsy atmosphere.

This particular water fountain with a stone finish consists of three tiers of water bowls, is 35 inches high, and comes with a water pump and cord.

12. Cute Turtle Garden

What’s great about this cute turtle garden is that it is colorful during the day and generates soft light at night, making it the perfect backyard decoration piece.

This particular turtle garden also has a little solar panel that can charge during daylight hours, and then light up automatically when the sun goes down in the evening.

13. Garden Bird House

Birds form part of the overall ecosystem in the backyard or the garden, and often we don’t even notice they are there because we take them for granted.

In addition to bird feeders, a birdhouse will attract more birds to your yard, as it gives them a safe place to nest and to protect themselves against the elements.

And with more birds visiting your backyard, you will also have fewer pests and fewer weeds, and they help with flower pollination.

Check out our list of environmental benefits of birdhouses and our list of ways to attract more birds to a birdhouse to learn more about how to make the most of bird houses in the yard.

14. Decorative Outdoor Lights

Outdoor landscape lighting is a fantastic way to create a nice atmosphere in your yard and your garden, while of course also providing visibility where needed.

Outdoor lights come in various forms, but there is no need to invest a large amount of money to install a professional light system.

This particular set of decorative outdoor lights is incredibly easy to install, and can be controlled through a smart app.

15. Backyard Decoration Sign

A decorative backyard welcome sign is a simple way to add a bit of fun to the entertaining area of your backyard.

If you have a look online, you will find many different versions, with most of them having a humorous message on the sign.

16. Wind Chime

A wind chime is a nice decorative addition to any backyard, and can also function as a way to deter wasps, bees, flies, squirrels, and birds.

This particular handmade wind chime consists of agates available in different colors and is able to produce lovely melodic tones.

To avoid excessive noise or even damage, it’s best to install it in a corner of the backyard or porch where there isn’t too much wind.

17. Decorative Patio Cooler

Patio coolers have come a long way when it comes to design and functionality, with now lots of decorative coolers available that look great in your outdoor backyard setting.

Patio coolers come in various styles, such as rolling coolers, standing coolers, and bucket-style patio coolers.

Depending on your needs, the ones that look the best are coolers that can double as a wine cooler and bar table.

Have a look at our list of outdoor patio coolers for both functional as well as decorative options.